MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WIAT) -- Alabamians are driving over state lines and going to lengths to buy their Powerball tickets for a shot at the $1 billion winnings on the table Wednesday night.
In Alabama, lawmakers are still discussing if the state should have a vote on a lottery of its own.
In March, the Alabama Senate cut down the original gambling bill that originated in the House. The refined bill calls for a state lottery and splits the revenue, allocating the money toward the general fund and state education.
State Rep. Parker Moore (R-Hartselle) said his district borders Tennessee, and lottery tickets are not the only thing his constituents drive a long way for.
"I've got constituents that will drive up to Tennessee -- which is 30, 40 minutes away from the center of my district -- to Jack's or McDonald's, and they'll place their sports bets on their Wi-Fi system and come back," Moore said.
The new version of the gambling bill that came out of the Senate takes out sports betting altogether. State Rep. AJ McCampbell (D-Livingston) said if lawmakers can't decide on the bill, Alabamians may have to wait a few years for another chance to vote on it.
"With a new governor, it would be like starting all over again, if indeed they would even entertain the idea," McCampbell said.
The Senate's version of the bill creates a special election for Alabamians to cast their vote on gambling earlier than the general election in November. McCampbell said that is costly for taxpayers.
"But to run just a special election in September means that we would pay another six-point something million dollars to run that special election," he said.
State Rep. Chris Blackshear (R-Smiths Station) originally sponsored the bill and said they've moved the legislation further than ever before. He said he is cautiously optimistic going into negotiations.
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